Applying a Continuous Working Time Model to Dynamic Clustering in Energy Constrained Wireless Sensor Networks

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), the sensor nodes are extremely energy restricted. Therefore, minimizing energy dissipation and maximizing network lifetime are the main goals of most energy efficient algorithms designed for these networks. Clustering techniques could significantly reduce the energy consumption of each individual sensor in WSNs. In this paper, we propose an energy efficient Continuous Working Time (C.W.T) strategy that could apply to the data transmission phase of the LEACH algorithm to improve its performance and save more energy. In our model, unlike LEACH, the cluster head keeps working continuously until its residual energy reaches pre-determined threshold. With this mechanism the frequency of updating clusters and the energy dissipation for new cluster head establishment can be reduced. The results of simulation demonstrate that using C.W.T model can reduce the energy consumption of each cluster effectively and increase the system useful lifetime.